The Volkssport clubs of Alberta have 67 PTs across the province. This makes a compelling reason for out of town walkers to visit Alberta for a few weeks and experience some terrific walking.

Some walks are only open at certain times of the year so check the dates first and also check if there is a walk box or if it's a mail in. Mail Ins have no local walk box so the instructions need to be printed/downloaded first and the registration and stamping is carried out by mail.

Directions to the walk start point, ratings, route directions, contact person and other information relating to these events can be found below and in the annual calendar. Many PTs have multiple routes so if printing them off be careful to select the correct route if you are trying to complete a special program.

VAA is very proud of the walks in Alberta and would love to add more each year. If you have an idea for a new route contact us and hopefully we can make it happen.

BANFF, PT #112

IN TOWN - ROUTE A

The in town PT is an easy walk that takes
you to the Banff Springs Hotel, through downtown Banff, and lovely
Cascade Gardens. The PT is available for the entire year from the Jump Start Cafe, 210 Buffalo St. Rated 1B.

VERMILION LAKES Route D

A series of lakes located immediately west
of Banff. Not a mountain trail but does have great
views of the lake and Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain, among others. There are
plenty of benches and viewpoints over the lakes. Rated 1B

BANFF, PT #317 - SEASONAL

SULPHUR MOUNTAIN

This mountain is named after the Sulphur Hot
Springs. The route consists of a steep switchback trail suitable for the more
experienced walkers. A person could ride the gondola down rather than walking
the return trip. And yes, you do walk to the summit of the mountain in this
picture!!

This walk is 5.5 km one-way, with an
elevation gain of 742 m. Once you reach the top of Sulphur Mountain you can get
to Sanson Peak via the short walkway. If you want to get into peak bagging here
is a chance to bag a second without much additional effort. At the top of
Sulphur the view is 360 degrees of fantastic with a view of the Banff town site
and valley, Mount Rundle and the Sundance Range.

BANFF, PT #340 - SEASONAL

TUNNEL MOUNTAIN

This walk takes you to the summit of Tunnel
Mountain with breath taking views of the town of Banff.Although only 5500 feet in altitude above
sea level, the summit is a magnificent viewpoint, covering the Bow River Valley
both east and west.

MISC. Washrooms available at start.
DIRECTIONS From Edmonton, take 50 St. south, which turns into Hwy 814 and then into 50 St. in Beaumont. Turn right into the parking lot near the Shell Service Station.
From QE2 Highway, go east on Hwy 625 to Beaumont and turn left onto 50 St. Drive through town to the parking lot near the Shell Service Station on your left.

CALGARY, PT #60

The PT follows the Elbow River and goes through some very upscale housing neighborhoods. The PT opens January 1st for the entire year from the Repsol Sports Centre (note name change from Talisman), 2225 McLeod Trail S, Calgary.

CALGARY, PT #61

Route A & B start from the Repsol Sports Centre (note name change from Talisman) while routes C & D start downtown. You will need to register and then drive to the start for the latter (directions are on the route instructions).

CANMORE, PT #75

The town of Canmore borders Banff National Park. It is surrounded by mountains making it one of the most impressive mountain towns in the world. The PT route follows the Bow River and provides excellent views of the Three Sisters Mountains.

CARDSTON, PT #144

The town of Cardston was founded in 1887 and has a population of just over 3500. It is situated 77 Km southwest of Lethbridge and 25 km north of Montana.

JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2018

SPONSOR Chinook Country Pacers

CONTACT Sherri McDonald 403-653-3824

templehaven@shaw.ca

START POINT Chief Mountain Husky

60-1 Ave., west (at Hwy. 5)

T0K 0K0, 403-653-1146

DISTANCE 10 km

RATING 1B

REGISTRATION 5:00 AM to dusk. Walk daylight hours only.

TRAIL Trail features several of Cardston's main points of interest as well as taking you for a walk down Main Street. You will get a great view of Chief Mountain. Trail takes you alongside Lee Creek on a paved path. (Due to some rainstorm damage, trail not suitable for wheelchairs.)

MISC. Ask for Walk Box. Parking and washrooms available at Start Point.

DIRECTIONS From Hwy. 2, on 1 Ave., west at Hwy. 5. (Hwy. 2 turns into Main Street).

CARDSTON, PT #14 - SEASONAL

The Card Pioneer Home, built by the leader of the first group of Mormon settlers, is open to the public on Cardston’s main street each afternoon, six days a week in the summer. See what life in a real ‘little house on the prairie’ was like.

MAY 1 – OCTOBER 27, 2018

SPONSOR Chinook Country Pacers

CONTACT Sherri McDonald 403-653-3824

templehaven@shaw.ca

START POINT Red Rooster Convenience Store,

364 Main St.

T0K 0K0, 403-653-4880

DISTANCE 5 & 10 km

RATING 1A

REGISTRATION Monday - Saturday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

MISC. Ask for Walk Box. Parking and washrooms available at Start Point.

DIRECTIONS From Hwy. 2, on 1 Ave., west at Hwy. 5. (Hwy. 2 turns into Main Street).

The town is located 18 km west of the Calgary city limits along Highway 1A. With a population of 26,320, Cochrane is the second largest town in Alberta and one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. The town is surrounded by Rocky View County.

COLD LAKE, PT #76 - SEASONAL

The city of Cold Lake has a population almost 15,000. The lake is one of Alberta’s largest and deepest lakes (the 7th largest in the province to be exact) and provides endless opportunities for fishing, boating and camping.

CROWSNEST PASS, PT #224 - SEASONAL

Frank is a small community of 85, which was amalgamated with 4 other communities in 1979 to form the municipality of Crowsnest Pass. It's known for the tragedy that struck in 1903, when the tip of Turtle Mountain broke loose and decimated part of the Village of Frank. The Wilderness Trail tours the slide area.

DRUMHELLER, PT #335 - SEASONAL

The town of Drumheller, within the Red Deer River valley in the badlands, is located 110 km northeast of Calgary. The Drumheller portion of the Red Deer River valley is often referred to as Dinosaur Valley, because of the many fossils found there.

EDMONTON, PT #34

This walk starts from the Kinsmen Sports Centre in the beautiful North Saskatchewan River valley. It walks up the hill and around the Alberta Legislative buildings and then along the river valley. Routes include:

DIRECTIONS From 109 St., take Walterdale Hill Rd. down into the river valley and at the bottom of the hill turn left into the Kinsmen Centre. Or, from Gateway Blvd., turn right onto Saskatchewan Dr., and a sharp left onto Queen Elizabeth Park Rd. down the hill and into the Kinsmen parking lot.
CVF PROGRAMS: CAPITAL CITY,COMMUNITY, MURALS, BRIDGES, TRANS CANADA TRAIL

EDMONTON, PT #115

This is a favourite walk for locals in the winter and also for visitors as they can tour West Edmonton Mall at the same time. If you want to walk without dodging people it is recommended that you start early enough to be done before the stores open.

DIRECTIONS From 109 St., take Walterdale Hill Rd. down into the river valley and at the bottom of the hill turn left into the Kinsmen Centre. Or, from Gateway Blvd., turn right onto Saskatchewan Dr., and a sharp left onto Queen Elizabeth Park Rd. down the hill and into the Kinsmen parking lot.
CVF PROGRAMS: COMMUNITY, MURAL, TRANS CANADA TRAIL, BRIDGES

EDMONTON, PT #222

Routes A & B - wind down into the beautiful North Saskatchewan river valley. Route C - is the least strenuous and tours residential areas.

Route D & E - have a mixture of residential and pathways with both routes overlooking the North Saskatchewan River as the trail winds along the top of the bank, almost to the Henday Bridge. Fantastic views and great trails.

FORT SASKATCHEWAN, PT # 312

In 1875, under the command of Inspector W.D. Jarvis, the North-West Mounted Police established Fort Saskatchewan as a fort on the North Saskatchewan River. The community was later incorporated as a village in 1899, a town in 1904, and a city in 1985.

JOHNSTON CANYON, PT #338 - SEASONAL

This is one of the most popular walks in all
the Rocky Mountains. The first 5 km (return) passes through a narrow canyon in
which you will see two spectacular waterfalls. If you are up to seeing something
very unique continue on up through the forest to the Ink Pots in Johnston
Valley. (12 km return). The Ink Pots are six clear greenish pools
filled with spring water that remains at a constant 1-degree Celsius
year-round.

LAKE LOUISE & LAKE AGNES, PT #343 - SEASONAL

The route walks along
beautiful Lake Louise and then the 12 km continues up a steep climb to Lake
Agnes. This walk is at a very high altitude and may be closed if the snow melt
is late. These mountains aren't upside down, this is the reflection in
the lake! Perhaps the most beautiful walk in the
Rockies.

Route A - 10 km route goes through downtown, residential and park areas, and qualifies for the Community and Trans Canada Trail Programs
Route B - starts at another location, drive to a start point before walking. The 10 km route goes through park and residential areas.
Route C - starts at another location, drive to start point before walking. The 5 km route through park and residential areas and qualify for the Trans Canada Trail program

JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2018

SPONSOR Northern Lights Walking Club

CONTACT Niels Breum

780-984-8638

nbreum@hotmail.com

START POINT Leduc General Hospital

Emergency Entrance, 4210-48 St.

T9E 5Z3

DISTANCE 5 & 10 km

RATING 1A

REGISTRATION Dawn to dusk. Ask for the Walk Box at the admitting desk counter.

TRAIL Around town on sidewalks and paved trails.

MISC. Free parking available on 48 St. or in hospital parking lot.

DIRECTIONS From Hwy. 2, take Hwy. 2A (Exit #516) at south end of Leduc. Left turn on 50 St. Right turn on 42 Ave., left on 48 St.

DIRECTIONS From east on Hwy. 3, follow signage for Scenic Drive S. exits. Take Scenic Drive S. to

3 Ave. S. and turn right. In a short distance, make a left into Days Inn parking lot. From west take the City Centre exit which will take you to Scenic Dr. Turn right on Scenic Dr. and right at 3 Ave. In a short distance turn left into Days Inn

MEDICINE HAT, PT #74

The name "Medicine Hat" is the English translation of 'Saamis' (SA-MUS) – the Blackfoot word for the eagle tail feather headdress worn by medicine men – or 'Medicine Hat'. Prior to the arrival of Europeans the Blackfoot, Cree and Assiniboine nations used the area for hundreds of years.

MEDICINE HAT, PT #333

The Medicine Hat landscape is dominated by the South Saskatchewan River valley. In addition to this major river, both the Seven Persons Creek and Ross Creek empty into the South Saskatchewan River within the City of Medicine Hat boundary. The presence of these water bodies provide for a dramatic valley landscape with numerous cliffs, and finger coulees throughout the city

Redcliff is situated at a high elevation relative to the surrounding landscape, the Town of Redcliff offers views of the South Saskatchewan River valley, the City of Medicine Hat, and Cypress Hills. The cliffs that overlook the river valley resemble badland formations.

MILLET, PT #78 - SEASONAL

Millet in a town is located approximately 40 km south of Edmonton. The town has won nationally in the Communities in Bloom competition and markets its beautiful setting. With a population of just over 2090.

MORAINE LAKE, PT #344 - SEASONAL

This is a glacially-fed lake in Banff National Park, 14 km outside the Village of Lake Louise. It is situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of approximately 6,183 feet. The lake, being glacially fed, does not reach its crest until mid to late June. When it is full, it reflects a distinct shade of blue. The color is due to the refraction of light off the rock flour deposited in the lake on a continual basis.

MORINVILLE, PT #141

The town of Morinville is located 34 km north of Edmonton. The walk starts from the Morinville Shell and winds around wilderness trails and town sidewalks. There is an alternate route in Legal, another 9 km north of Morinville, the alternate has many murals.

SHERWOOD PARK, PT #52

Route A - Ball Lake - This walk starts from Park Centre & Hotel (previously Franklin's Inn) and crosses Ball Lake to an Island, by some very nice residential homes and then through Heritage Hills wetlands.

Route C - This walk starts from the Strathcona Wilderness Centre after registering at Park Centre & Hotel you must drive to the centre which is located 20 minutes east of Sherwood Park on Township Road 530 (Baseline Rd.). The route winds around the wooded wilderness trails where moose and deer are frequently seen.

DIRECTIONS From Edmonton via Sherwood Park Freeway, turn left onto Brentwood Blvd. and turn right onto Sherwood Dr. Turn right at the first light into the Hotel's parking lot. From Edmonton via Baseline Rd., turn right onto Sherwood Dr. and turn left onto Festival Ave. into the Hotel's parking lot.

SHERWOOD PARK, PT #314

In 1953, permission was received from the Municipal District of Strathcona for the development of the residential hamlet named "Campbelltown" and in September 1955, the first model homes were opened to the public. Later in 1956, the name of the hamlet was changed to Sherwood Park, because Canada Post would not approve Campbelltown, since there were several Canadian communities with similar names.

Route C - Walk Inside at Millennium Place - Drive to Millennium Place at 2000 Premier Way in Sherwood Park and walk around the indoor track 43 times for a 10 km or 22 times for a 5 km walk. An admission fee is required.

DIRECTIONS From Edmonton via Sherwood Park Freeway, turn left onto Brentwood Blvd. and right onto Sherwood Dr. Turn right at the first light into the Hotel's parking lot. From Edmonton via Baseline Rd., turn right onto Sherwood Dr. and left turn onto Festival Ave. into the Hotel's parking lot.

TRAIL See walk descriptions on leftDIRECTIONS From Edmonton, take St. Albert Tr. to St. Albert. Just past the St. Albert Inn, left turn onto Gate Ave. and immediately turn left again into the Inn parking lot. Free parking in front.

ST ALBERT, PT #132

Located in the heart of downtown, St. Albert Place is the focal point of many community events and activities. Designed by world-renowned Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal, its sculptural symmetry mimics the curves of the Sturgeon River that runs behind it. There are no corners; only curves. Built in 1984, St. Albert Place was designed as a "people place", housing a unique combination of civic government and cultural activity. (seen on Route A)

ST ALBERT, PT #32, BIKE - SEASONAL

The Northern Alberta International Children's Festival in St. Albert is one of the longest-running children's festivals in North America, attracting over 40,000 participants over 5 days, at the end of May. During the five days of the Festival, children experience sights and sounds of many different cultures while learning through the medium nearest and dearest to their hearts - by playing!

This town of 15,000 is located west of Edmonton adjacent to the City of Spruce Grove. Stony Plain is known as "The Town with the Painted Past" due to the amount of painted murals. The town was originally known as Dog Rump Creek.

JANUARY 2 - DECEMBER 31, 2018
(Closed January 1st)

SPONSOR Devon Discovery Walkers

CONTACT Bob Duncan 780-963-4145

duncanra@shaw.ca

START POINT Freson Bros. Fresh Market

4416 48 St.

T7Z 1N3

DISTANCE 5 & 10 km

RATING 1A

REGISTRATION Open 24 hours. Ask at service desk for walk box.

TRAIL An easy walk through town to view murals and on park trails. Stroller friendly.

MISC: Parking and washrooms available at start

DIRECTIONS From Hwy 16A South at Hwy 779/ 48 St. Please park well away from store.

WATERTON VILLAGE, PT #143 - SEASONAL

In the heart of Waterton National Park is the Village. It's scenically located on a small delta which is closely guarded by the Rocky Mountains to the north and west and Upper Waterton Lake to the east and south. Waterton Village is 56 km west of Cardston on Hwy 5.